PL-I

Name: Elsie Amoako-Kissi, MD

Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University

Home: Sterling, VA

Career Goals: I am considering a career in primary care. Global health is also a passion of mine, and I am also considering fellowship in that or pediatric emergency medicine.

Hobbies: Reading, visiting museums, making art, cooking, hiking.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: Northern Virginia has been home to my family since we moved from Ghana, West Africa years ago. Inova has provided care for my family and friends over the years. I would be honored to give back to the community that has helped raise me in many ways.

Name: Haris Ansari, MD

Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine

Home: West Friendship, MD

Career Goals: Undecided, but strongly considering the Post-Peds Portal Program!

Hobbies: Cricket, traveling, and spending time with friends and family!

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: The program size, strong mentorship, closeness to family, and the uniquely warm and kind atmosphere!

Name: Moaz Ansari, MD

Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine

Home: Baltimore, MD

Career Goals: Allergy & Immunology and Primary Care! I have recently started having a burgeoning interest in allergy/immunology and am heavily considering it for fellowship after some 4th year rotations as well as seeing an allergist for myself.

Hobbies: Reading fantasy novels, photography, evening walks, and I am a tea connoisseur

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: Everything! I love the NoVA area and have lots of friends here. Going to medical school in DC means that I spend part of pretty much every other weekend near Tyson’s to get some good food and coffee.

Name: Alida D'Souza, DO

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Home: Centreville, VA

Career Goals: General Pediatrics, NICU

Hobbies: Cooking/baking, game nights, DIY projects & decor

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I had the opportunity to complete an AI here as a fourth-year medical student, and I loved it! What stood out most to me was the collaborative atmosphere -- nurses, residents, and attendings working together seamlessly. Watching residents navigate complex decisions as a team, support one another, and ensure families were confident in their care plan left a lasting impression on me. Further, Inova Fairfax houses one of the top neonatology programs in the country, which aligns with my current interests. As a DMV local, this place truly feels like home, and I couldn’t be happier to complete my training here.

Name: Caroline Kayes, DO

Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Home: Martinsburg, WV

Career Goals: As of right now I am undecided, but I am interested in pursing a fellowship. My current interests are NICU and Heme/Onc.

Hobbies: Reading, running, going to workout classes, going on walks/spending time outside, golfing, shopping

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: During my interview experience, everyone was so welcoming and I felt as though I would be joining a genuinely supportive environment. I also liked that this program serves a very diverse patient population. I love the location of Inova being in the DMV area! Not only is it close to my hometown and my family, but it is also surrounded by so many fun things to do! I am so excited to be joining the Inova family!

Name: Megan Krentsa, MD

Medical School: Drexel University York Hospital-Wellspan

Home: Stockbridge, MA

Career Goals: Cardiology or PICU

Hobbies: Pottery, cross stitch/embroidery, skiing, going on walks with my dog, traveling/exploring new places and trying new foods

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I spent a month at Inova as a medical student and loved it! Everyone was so welcoming and cared so much about making sure that residents and students were well-supported and receiving a strong education. I have also lived in the DC area for years and have a lot of family in the area. I fell in love with Inova because it gives me the opportunity to treat the whole range of pediatric pathologies while doing my residency in a place that feels like home.

Name: Waverly Kundysek, MD

Medical School: Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine-Temple

Home: Dallas, TX

Career Goals: NICU, Endocrinology or Primary Care

Hobbies: Playing with my two precious dogs, reading, traveling with my family and friends, baking, & being creative.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I was drawn to Inova for many reasons - the strong sense of community, the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population, and the program’s emphasis on advocacy and service. During my Acting Internship, I truly saw what makes Inova so special. I was surrounded by residents and attendings who embodied the kind of pediatrician I hope to become compassionate, dedicated, and deeply committed to their patients and families. From the very first day, I felt welcomed and supported, and it was evident that both teaching and patient care were held to the highest standard. My experience confirmed that Inova wasn't just a wonderful program - it was the perfect place for me to grow into the pediatrician I’ve always aspired to be!

Name: Megan McClure, MD

Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Home: Darnestown, MD

Career Goals: I’m not sure, but right now I'm interested in Hospital Medicine, PICU, Emergency, or GI!

Hobbies: Cooking, crafting, reading, puzzles

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I have always loved the Nova area and felt at home already during the interview! The community is very welcoming and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Name: Rebekah Moshier, DO

Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Home: Pittsburgh, PA

Career Goals: GI, NICU, or PICU fellowship!

Hobbies: Reading, going for runs, baking, being with friends and family, and trying new crafts

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I could tell right away from my interview that the community at Inova was one I wanted to be a part of! It was evident that everyone was so kind and willing to go above and beyond for each other. I also really like the program's size (not too big, not too small- it's just right!) and the diversity of the conditions we would get to treat. I feel like Inova will help me become the strongest pediatrician I can be, while preparing me for whatever my future career may hold!

Name: Chiazam Omenyi, MD

Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Home: Ellicott City, MD

Career Goals: Undecided but interested in Child Abuse, Adolescent Medicine, Hospital Medicine, or General Pediatrics!

Hobbies: Watching reality TV, yoga and pilates, walks, and spending time with family!

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I'm from Maryland and really wanted to prioritize coming back to the DMV to be close to family! My interview day at Inova stood out to me as all the faculty and residents were joking around and seemed to be really close! I loved the fact it's a medium sized program where I can have more individualized attention from attendings and have the opportunity to form close-knit bonds with everyone. Being close to so many airports also allows for such a diverse patient population and great training regarding social determinants of health and health equity, which are topics I'm very passionate about! And last but not least, I was looking for a program that emphasized wellness, and this was one of the biggest highlights that brought me to Inova. It was evident during my interview day that wellness is taken very seriously, from the 25 free counseling sessions per year, to changing to X+Y, to free parking and lots of free food!

Name: Veda Prasad, DO

Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

Home: McLean, VA

Career Goals: Critical care/hospital medicine fellowship - still deciding!

Hobbies: Reading, going on walks, trying new restaurants!

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: My family, fiancé, and friends are all in Northern VA. I really wanted to be near a strong support system for residency so INOVA was an easy choice! I enjoyed my interview day as well, it was genuinely fun and I really enjoyed the conversations I had with my interviewers.

Name: Isabella Ramirez, MD

Medical School: Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine

Home: San Leandro, CA

Career Goals: My career goals after residency include being a skilled general pediatrician who can provide care both nationally and internationally in low-resource settings. I am still open to figuring out if I have an interest in other specialties such as Rheumatology and Endocrinology.

Hobbies: I enjoy hiking outdoors, especially on trails that lead to mountaintops and waterfalls. Some of my favorite hikes on the west coast have been in Yosemite. I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places with my husband and friends! Together we have been on cross-country road trips and transatlantic travel.

Why you chose Inova and program pluses: I think that Virginia is a beautiful place to live! I have close friends and family in the area that I love to visit and I am eager to integrate with the community here. I liked that Inova is an integrated health system and I felt like the ethnic diversity of the patient population and the varied pathologies residents treated provided a well-rounded education that could prepare me to be a general pediatrician in any setting.

Name: Ji Sung Seo, MD

Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Home: Clifton, VA